AB 143 Wisconsin Assembly · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Relating to: allowing an unlicensed person to use a motor vehicle and providing a penalty.

AB 143 modifies vehicle law to clarify that vehicle owners or renters can be held liable for allowing unlicensed drivers to operate a vehicle, regardless of whether they knew the driver lacked a license. It adds new provisions (343.45(2m) and 343.46(2m)) stating that authorization or rental rules apply without requiring knowledge of the operator's license status. Violations carry fines: up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $10,000 for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects vehicle owners, renters, and businesses that rent vehicles, as they face penalties if unlicensed operators use their vehicles. It does not change licensing requirements for drivers but shifts liability to those who permit unlicensed operation.
Bill status failed 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 17, 2025 Last action Mar 23, 2026
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Mar 17, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Representatives Maxey, Donovan, Piwowarczyk, Rodriguez, Dittrich, Gundrum, Gustafson, B. Jacobson, Knodl, Kreibich, Mursau and Penterman; cosponsored by Senator Bradley
lower
12 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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